Medication blister pack with embedded user interface

ABSTRACT

A personal medication package is provided with an embedded user interface. The medication package includes an array of storage compartments for storing medication as well as visual indicia that is integrated into the medication package. The visual indicia are formed from color changing ink that is deposited onto the medication package. Consequently, the medication package can be manufactured and disposed of in an ecologically friendly manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/078,713, filed on Jul. 7, 2008. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to medication dispensing and, more particularly, to a medication blister pack having an embedded user interface.

BACKGROUND

Medication compliance is a serious problem, especially in the elderly. Twenty percent of all prescriptions that are written are never filled and up to sixty percent of all medication prescribed is taken incorrectly or not at all. Solutions aimed at improving medication compliance are needed.

Blister packs are a type of pre-formed plastic packaging commonly used for distributing small consumer goods, including medication. Blister packs provide a cheaper but less robust alternative for distributing medication than other types of personal medication dispensing devices. In particular, blister packs fail to provide the necessary user interface need to address compliance concerns. Applicant proposes an improved medication blister pack with an embedded user interface that alleviates some of these concerns. This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

SUMMARY

A personal medication package is provided with an embedded user interface. The medication package includes an array of storage compartments for storing medication as well as visual indicia that is integrated into the medication package. The visual indicia are formed from color changing ink that is deposited onto the medication package. Consequently, the medication package can be manufactured and disposed of in an ecologically friendly manner.

The medication package may detachably couple to a controlling device to form a personal medication dispensing apparatus device. The controlling device is comprised of a microcontroller, an internal power source and an external communication interface but does not necessarily include a display. Rather, simple and effective user interface functions are achieved using the embedded interface of the enhanced medication package. To provide more robust functionality, the personal medication dispensing apparatus may be configured to interface autonomously with a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or another type of portable consumer device.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary disposable medication package (or blister pack) for distributing medication;

FIGS. 2 and 3 depicts the disposable medication package that detachably couples to an exemplary controlling device to form a personal medication dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side view of the disposable medication package;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how the disposable medication package may be configured to provide instructions for taking medications;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting the personal medication dispenser;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an alternative embodiment of the personal medication dispenser; and

FIG. 9 depicts the personal medication dispenser interfacing with a cell phone.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary disposable medication package 12 or blister pack for distributing medication. The medication package 12 is comprised primarily of a hosting sheet 14 having an array of pockets 15 formed therein and a sealing layer 16 secured to the hosting sheet 14 in a manner that encloses the pockets. Pockets may be sized to house a single pill and/or sized to house multiple pills in single pocket. While the following description is provided with reference to a blister pack, it is readily understood that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to other types of personal medication packages.

Blister packs may be manufactured using a conventional form-fill-seal process. First, the hosting sheet is formed using either a thermoforming or cold forming process. Medication is placed into each of the pockets of the hosting sheet (which serve as storage compartments) and then enclosed therein by the sealing layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the hosting sheet is made from a transparent plastic material; whereas, the sealing layer may be made from paper or aluminum. Other types of materials including those which are recyclable or disposable are also contemplated by this disclosure.

To address compliance concerns, blister packs may be enhanced with an embedded user interface. FIG. 4 further illustrates an exemplary implementation for how visual indicators may be disposed proximate to each blister 15. In this example, color changing ink 17 is disposed directly underneath each blister 15. The color changing ink is further formed in the shape of a circle that is concentric with the circular shape of the blister and preferably with a larger radius than the blister. It is readily understood that the color changing ink may take other shapes (e.g., triangular or rectangular) and other forms (e.g., dots, dashes, lines, etc.). Likewise, the color changing ink may be disposed adjacent to or otherwise proximate to the blister in a manner which indicates an association between an indicator and an associated blister. When activated, the indicator provides a visual cue as to which medication in the blister pack is to be taken. Thus, the visual indicators achieve an embedded user interface that is intuitive to users, especially the elderly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the color changing ink 17 may be a thermochromic ink that is deposited onto the inward facing side of the sealing layer 16. Thermochromic ink is sensitive to temperature change. For example, when subject to a temperature change of about 5 degrees F., a thermochromic ink may change from a clear state to a specific color, such as blue, or conversely from a specific color to a clear state. It is envisioned that photochromic ink and other types of color changing inks may be used in place of thermochromic ink. Since the blister pack can be implemented using paper and ink, it can be manufactured and disposed of in an ecologically friendly manner. This approach provides a distinct advantage over solutions which include batteries, processors, etc.

Visual indicators are activated by a controlling device 20 that detachably couples to the blister pack 12 to form a personal medication dispenser 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. More specifically, an activation circuit is electrically coupled between each of the visual indicators and a controller residing in the controlling device as further described below. The blister pack 12 may couple to the controlling device 20 using various types of connector designs as are readily found in the art.

Returning to FIG. 4, the activation circuit may take the form of a conductive ink 19 deposited onto the medication package. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive ink 19 is deposited directly onto the inward facing side of the sealing layer 16 and the color changing ink 17 is overlayed onto portions of the conductive ink 19. When current passes through the thin layer of conductive ink, resistance in the ink creates heat. The heat from the conductive ink causes the thermochromic ink to change state.

A similar approach may be used to provide messages along with a visual cue for taking a medication. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate exemplary implementations. In FIG. 5, a visual cue is provided for taking Medication A as indicated by visual indicator 52. Concurrently therewith, an instruction for how to take Medication A may also be displayed to the user as indicated at 54. In FIG. 6, a visual cue is provided at 62 for taking Medication B. In this instance, Medication B is different from Medication A and thus a different instruction is provided at 64 for taking this medication. In either instance, the instructions may be generated using color changing ink in the manner described above. It is contemplated that the same instruction may be given for more than one type of medication contained in the blister pack or that different instructions may be given (either concurrently or at differing times) for a single type of medication. Likewise, it is readily understood that other types of messages such as warnings or legal notices may be provided in this manner.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic for an exemplary activation circuit 70 in the context of the personal medication dispenser 10. The activation circuit 70 includes a parallel circuit path 71 for each of the blisters and its corresponding visual indicator. Each circuit path originates from a different terminal of a microprocessor 22 embedded in the controlling device 20 and passes underneath the color changing ink that forms a visual indicator in the medication package 12. Each circuit path is completed using a common return path 73 to the microprocessor 22. In operation, the microprocessor 22 outputs a current through one or more of the circuit paths, thereby activating the visual indicator associated with the selected circuit paths. Other circuit arrangements, including circuit paths having more than one visual indicator, are contemplated by this disclosure.

The activation circuit may optionally be configured to weaken the sealing layer adjacent to a blister of interest. In this arrangement, conductive ink is also deposited directly onto the inward facing side of the sealing layer and disposed directly underneath or along the edges of each blister (as indicated at 74). When current passes through the conductive ink, heat generated from the ink warms the base of the blister and weakens the sealing layer. This enables pills to be more easily removed from the blisters of interest. This function may require more heat than is needed to change the state of the color changing ink. To increase resistance, the conductive ink may be configured in a serpentine, zig-zag, or spiral shape as indicated at 75. It is also envisioned that this function may be implemented using a circuit that is separate and independent from the circuit used to activate the visual indicators.

Blister packs may also be embedded with a sensing mechanism for detecting when medication has been removed from a blister. To sense the removal of the medication, a sensing circuit is positioned proximate to each blister such that removal of a pill from a blister causes a change in a sensed circuit parameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing circuit is formed by a conductive ink deposited on the sealing layer of the medication package in the manner described above. The conductive ink forms a circuit path that passes underneath each blister. When a pill is removed, the sealing layer is ruptured and the circuit path is broken. The sensing circuit may include a separate parallel circuit path between each blister and the microprocessor. By periodically checking connectivity of each circuit path, the microcontroller can determine when a disbursement has occurred. Further details regarding suitable sensing circuits may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,372 which is incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred implementation, the activation circuit for the visual indicators also serves as the sensing circuit. To check connectivity, the microcontroller injects a relatively short pulse of current in each circuit path. The current pulses are of sufficient duration to determine connectivity but not long enough to change the state of (heat) the color changing ink which forms the visual indicators. It is also contemplated that the activation circuit and the sensing circuit may be independent from each other.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the enhanced blister packs 12 described above may be interfaced with different types of controlling devices 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the controlling device 20 is equipped with a microprocessor 22, a memory 24, an internal power source (i.e., battery) 26 and an external communication interface 28. A microcontroller may be substituted for the microprocessor 22 and memory 24. The external communication interface 28 may be a passive interface, such as serial port or a USB port, or an active interface, such as a Bluetooth compatible transceiver device. The controlling device 20 may also be equipped with a display, a keypad, or other user interface components. However, it is not necessary that the controlling device include these components since the blister pack provides an embedded user interface.

In an alternative embodiment, at least some of these controlling components may be integrated into the blister pack 12 as shown in FIG. 8. For example, the blister pack 12 is embedded with a very small microprocessor 22′ and a battery 26′. To improve the disposable nature of the pack, the battery may be implemented using eco-friendly printable battery technology. This arrangement supports the basic dispensing functions described below and enables the blister pack to function autonomously without the need for a controlling device. The blister pack may also be embedded with an external communication interface 28′. In this way, more robust and processor intensive functions may be handled cooperatively with another computing device interfaced via the external communication interface with the blister pack.

In either embodiment, various medication compliance functions can be provided by software (computer executable instructions) embedded into the controlling components of the personal medication dispenser 10. For instance, a medication dispensing schedule may be downloaded via the external communication interface onto the medication dispenser 10. Visual indicators on the blister pack can then be activated in accordance with the medication dispensing schedule. The visual cues provide an indication as to which medications in blister pack are to be taken as well as the appropriate timing for taking the medication.

Once a medication is removed from the blister pack, this event may be detected and recorded in a local memory device. Actual dispersal times can be compared to scheduled times and, if appropriate, the remaining medication dispensing schedule can be adjusted to account for deviations from the schedule. Subsequently, compliance data can be exported via the external communication interface from the controlling device and/or blister pack and reported to appropriate medical personnel. Various other medication compliance functions may also be supported and/or implemented by the personal medication dispenser 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the medication compliance functions may be provided by the Wellness Diary software available from Nokia but other application software (including custom developed software) also falls within the scope of this disclosure.

In a preferred implementation, the controlling device 20 of the personal medication dispenser 10 is configured to interface autonomously with a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or another type of personal portable consumer device 80 as shown in FIG. 8. In this approach, robust and processor intensive functions may be carried out by the software residing on the portable consumer device 80; whereas, simple functions may be handled cooperatively or autonomously by the personal medication dispenser 10.

For example, a medication dispensing schedule may be maintained on the portable consumer device 80. Detailed scheduling information is displayed on the display of the portable consumer device 80. When a medication is to be dispensed, a command is sent from the portable consumer device 80 to the controlling device 20 of the personal medication dispenser 10. The controlling device in response activates a visual indicator corresponding to the medication to be taken or otherwise executes a command received from the portable consumer device. Thus, there is no need for the controlling device 20 to provide a display, a keypad or extensive processing capability. Rather, simple and effective user interface functions are achieved using the embedded interface of the enhanced blister pack.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 

1. A personal medication dispensing apparatus comprising: a disposable medication package having an array of storage compartments that store medication therein; visual indicia disposed proximate select storage compartments in the array of storage compartments, where the visual indicia is formed from a color changing ink deposited onto the medication package; and a controlling device that detachably couples to the medication package and operates to activate one or more of the visual indicators.
 2. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the visual indicia is further defined as a plurality of visual indicators, where one visual indicator is associated with each storage compartment.
 3. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the visual indicia is further defined as instructions associated with articles contained in the storage compartments.
 4. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the medication package is comprised of a transparent hosting sheet having the array of storage compartments formed therein and a sealing layer secured to the hosting sheet in a manner that encloses the storage compartments.
 5. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 4 wherein the color changing ink is deposited onto an inward facing surface of the sealing layer.
 6. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the color changing ink is further defined as thermochromic ink.
 7. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprises an activation circuit electrically coupled between each of the visual indicia and the controlling device, where the activation circuit is formed from a conductive ink deposited onto the medication package and the color changing ink is deposited onto portions of the conductive ink.
 8. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 7 wherein the activation circuit is configured to detect removal of articles from the array of storage compartments
 9. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a sensing mechanism integrated into the medication package and operable to detect removal of articles from one or more of the storage compartments.
 10. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controlling device includes a microcontroller, an external communication interface and a power source integrated therein.
 11. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controlling device does not include a user interface but is configured to communicate via a wireless transceiver to a device having a user interface.
 12. A personal medication dispensing apparatus comprising: a blister pack formed from a hosting sheet made of a transparent material with a plurality of pockets formed therein and a sealing layer that encloses the plurality of pockets; and a visual indicator associated with each of the pockets, each visual indicator is comprised of color changing ink deposited onto an inward facing surface of the sealing layer.
 13. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12 wherein the color changing ink for each visual indicator is formed in the shape of a circle that is concentric with its associated pocket.
 14. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12 further comprises an activation circuit that integrates into the blister pack and operates to change state of the color changing ink.
 15. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 14 wherein the activation circuit is formed from a conductive ink deposited onto the sealing layer and the color changing ink for each visual indicator is deposited onto portions of the conductive ink underneath the associated pocket.
 16. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12 further comprises an activation circuit that integrates into the blister pack and is configured to selectively weaken the sealing layer adjacent to each pocket.
 17. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12 further comprises a microcontroller and a power source embedded into the blister pack.
 18. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12 further comprises a wireless transceiver embedded in the blister pack.
 19. The personal medication dispensing apparatus of claim 12 further comprises a housing adapted to receive the blister pack, where the housing includes a microcontroller, an external communication interface, and a power source. 